Favorite: Rockford Boylan. The Titans, Class 7A champs in 2011 after winning the 6A title in 2010, completed their seventh consecutive perfect regular season and are the only team in the field without a loss.

Dark horse: Providence. Forget the Celtics' 5-4 record — the losses were courtesy of Joliet Catholic, Loyola, St. Rita and Mount Carmel. All four of those teams would be favored if they were in Class 6A. Providence has speed, size and skill.

Toughest road to DeKalb: Crete-Monee. If they get past Providence, the Warriors' second-round opponent likely will be Rock Island and its highly successful coach, Bryan Stortz. East St. Louis could be its quarterfinal opponent, with Richards possibly looming in the semis.

Don't forget about: Batavia and Richards. Batavia beat 2012 Class 8A runner-up Glenbard North on opening night and tore through its conference slate. The Bulldogs' only loss came to Richards, which is loaded with playmakers.

FYI: Following a long history of playoff futility, the Fox Valley Conference has been represented in three of the last four 6A title games. Cary-Grove (2009) and Prairie Ridge (2011) won titles, and Cary-Grove lost in last year's title game. Both FVC schools are in this year's field.